Early signs mixed in Iran vote, turnout up

Iran said yesterday turnout was high in elections for local councils and a powerful clerical body, with some initial reports suggesting allies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad might not have won resounding backing.

But analysts said it was too early to see a clear trend in Friday's vote, the first popularity test for Ahmadinejad since he took office last year.

Any sign of softer support for Ahmadinejad would encourage Western governments alarmed by his anti-Israel statements and fears Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies.

Most official results for the twin polls for councillors and members of the Assembly of Experts are not expected until later yesterday at the earliest, officials said.

Unofficial and partial results suggested voters backed a range of candidates, giving all political groups something to cheer but allowing none to claim outright victory.

"At first glance, it's not all good news for Ahmadinejad," said an Iranian political analyst, who asked not to be named.

But he said some vote counts might not be representative at this early stage. Another analyst was similarly cautious.

The Iranian news agency quoted officials citing turnout of around 60 per cent of the 46.5 million eligible voters, higher than previous council and assembly votes. Iran's press said the turnout was a blow to Iran's "enemies".

The Interior Ministry announced winners in several constituencies for the 86-member Assembly of Experts, which appointed, supervises and can even unseat Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest authority.

Winners included Ayatollah Mohammad Momen, who defeated a prominent protege of firebrand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, widely seen as the president's spiritual mentor.